Architect says that current problems facing our cities cannot be solved with outmoded thinking.
In an era of scarcity, we need to call upon visionaries to provide effective and low-cost responses to problems such as homelessness, poverty, ill health and environmental degradation, writes Sonja Persram. Martin Liefhebber, principal architect of Breathe Architects and an innovator in the practice of sustainable building design, believes that solutions to urban problems must respond to the needs of a changing population. Amongst his prescriptions: introduce mixed-use zoning to permit more people to work from home, change zoning laws to permit more housing units on each property and also along laneways, change building codes to recognize alternative technologies, and redesign residential streets and sewage systems to be more friendly to people and the environment.
Thanks to Geoffrey Singer
FULL STORY: Urban Change Requires Vision

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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie